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In this work, a series of CoCrFeNiCeX (x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) were designed and prepared through vacuum induction melting. The microstructure, wear resistance and antibacterial behaviors of the HEAs were systematically investigated. The results showed that the HEAs are composed of FCC phase with dendrite structure and CeNi3 phase between dendrites. With the increase of Ce content, the mechanical property and antibacterial rate of the alloys was improved gradually. Due to the combined effect of CeNi3 phase and fine grain strengthening, the CoCrFeNiCe0.5 HEA exhibited high hardness of approximately 382 HV0.2 and the wear rate of only 1.11 × 10−4 mm3/N·m under the loading force of 5 N. The CoCrFeNiCe0.5 HEA also showed excellent antibacterial ability, which presented a 97.4% antibacterial rate against Escherichia coli and 89.6% antibacterial rate against Staphylococcus aureus after 3 days. This work provided a new strategy for designing a high performance alloy with excellent antibacterial behaviors and good wear resistance, which makes it meet the needs of long-term antibacterial application in harsh environments.

Brain-inspired flexible neuromorphic devices are of great significance for next-generation high-efficiency wearable sensing and computing systems. In this paper, we propose a flexible organic electrochemical transistor using poly[(bithiophene)-alternate-(2,5-di(2-octyldodecyl)- 3,6-di(thienyl)-pyrrolyl pyrrolidone)] (DPPT-TT) as the organic semiconductor and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/LiClO4 solid-state electrolyte as the gate dielectric layer. Under gate voltage modulation, an electric double layer (EDL) forms between the dielectric layer and the channel, allowing the device to operate at low voltages. Furthermore, by leveraging the double layer effect and electrochemical doping within the device, we successfully mimic various synaptic behaviors, including excitatory post-synaptic currents (EPSC), paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), high-pass filtering characteristics, transitions from short-term plasticity (STP) to long-term plasticity (LTP), and demonstrate its image recognition and storage capabilities in a 3 × 3 array. Importantly, the device’s electrical performance remains stable even after bending, achieving ultra-low-power consumption of 2.08 fJ per synaptic event at −0.001 V. This research may contribute to the development of ultra-low-power neuromorphic computing, biomimetic robotics, and artificial intelligence.

Abstract Spiking neural networks (SNNs) employ discrete spikes that mimic the firing of neurons in biological systems to process and transmit information. This characteristic enables SNNs to effectively capture temporal dynamics and capitalize on the time information inherent in time‐varying inputs, such as motion, audio/video streams, and other sequential data. Currently, most hardware implementations of SNNs are designed to use rate‐coding, where information is encoded in the rate of spikes. However, it still remains challenging for the hardware implementation of temporal coding in SNNs, which allows for higher input sparsity and exploits additional dimensions such as precise spike timing and relative spike timings. This study presents hardware implementations of SNNs constructed by organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), processing temporal‐coded information. The protic dynamics in response to electrical stimuli enable the emulation of temporal integration, reset, and leaking of membrane potential in a simple leaky integrate‐and‐fire (LIF) neuron circuit. By utilizing these features, the emulated LIF neuron can be employed to construct SNNs capable of processing temporal‐coded information in complex tasks including coincidence detection and dynamic handwriting recognition, exhibiting high performance and good tolerance even when dealing with noisy datasets.

Background: This study focuses on the heterogeneity, interaction, and imbalance in the concurrent development of physical and mental health trajectories among Chinese elderly. Methods: The data used in this study are from four waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHRLS) conducted between 2011 and 2018. A multidimensional growth mixture model (MGMM) was employed to analyze the patterns and characteristics of co-occurring physical and mental health development. Additionally, multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to systematically investigate the factors that predict the conjoint trajectories of physical and mental health. Results: The study findings reveal the presence of four distinct latent classes of conjoint trajectories for physical and mental health. These classes are categorized as follows: ‘physical and mental health deteriorating’, ‘physical disease increasing & low mental vulnerability maintaining’, ‘low physical & mental vulnerability maintaining’, and ‘high physical disease increased & mental health moderate-stable’. Furthermore, demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, family-society relations, health behaviors, and institutional factors were found to significantly predict these latent classes. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the diversity and complexity of physical and mental co-occurring developmental health issues in the elderly population in China. These findings have significant implications for the development of targeted intervention strategies that take into account the unique health changes experienced by older adults. Additionally, they can serve as evidence for the establishment of a comprehensive long-term care system.

ObjectiveOur study aims to enhance the precision of internal control construction within public hospital supply chains and minimize the subjective bias influence. We have integrated the game theory combination weighting method into the design of internal control paths and based on this, developed a series of pioneering solutions. This innovative approach is anticipated to heighten the effectiveness and scientific rigor of the internal control design scheme within the supply chain.MethodFirstly, we utilized literature review and expert interviews to delve into the key factors of public hospital supply chain internal control, forming an index system for public hospital supply chain internal control that aligns with current informatization requirements. Subsequently, we incorporated the Game Theory Combination Weighting Method into this study. By means of the Analytic Hierarchy Process and the Entropy Weighting Method we determined the subjective and objective weights of each index and obtained their comprehensive weights through the Game Theory Combination Weighting Method. Then, based on the analysis results, we designed a series of internal control construction schemes and implemented these schemes at Weifang Maternal and Child Health Hospital between 2019 and 2023. Finally, using the Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method to assess and compare the actual effects before and after the implementation of the schemes, thereby validating the effectiveness of the Game Theory Combination Weighting Method in the design of the internal control path of public hospital supply chains.ResultsThe fuzzy comprehensive evaluation results for the years 2019 and 2023 demonstrated that after implementing our design schemes using the Game Theory Combination Weighting Method, the hospital’s satisfaction in aspects such as plan-side control, purchase-side control, asset-side control, expenditure business control, and contract management control has significantly improved.ConclusionOur research indicates that the Game Theory Combination Weighting Method is applicable to the path design of internal control links in public hospital supply chains. This method has effectively enhanced the targeted improvement of weak links within the construction of internal controls in the supply chain of public hospitals and is of great significance for improving the scientific nature of supply chain internal control management.

CO2 foam can solve the problems of serious water invasion in the later stage of water injection development of conventional reservoirs, fracture channeling in unconventional reservoirs and low production rate of medium and low permeability reservoirs caused by reservoir heterogeneity, and the Jamin effect is the key to its role. In order to investigate the influence of injection rate, liquid phase viscosity, surface tension, pore structure on the resistance of CO2 foam through the pore throat and the influence of CO2 foam Jamin effect on enhancing oil recovery, the micro-scale pore throat models were established, and the interface changes were traced by using the level set and phase field methods. The results show that the greater the injection rate or liquid phase viscosity, the greater the pressure and the foam film strength, the greater the Jamin effect resistance; Jamin effect resistance is positively related to surface tension, the greater the surface tension, the greater the driving force required for difficult deformation; Jamin effect resistance is negatively related to radius of pore throat, the greater the radius of pore throat (the smaller the pore-throat ratio), the smaller the Jamin effect resistance; CO2 foam plays an important role in the oil displacement, and it can displace the oil trapped on the wall, and the oil recovery of CO2 foam flooding is 9% higher than that of water flooding. The smaller the oil–water interfacial tension is, the more CO2 foam displacement is. These research results have certain theoretical significance for the effective use of CO2 foam in oilfield development.

Abstract Probiotics are defined as live microbial food elements that are beneficial to human health. Lacticaseibacillus casei T1 was considered to have potential as a bioactive ingredient in functional foods, which was isolated from kurut. Previous research by our group proved that L. casei T1 could prevent inflammatory responses caused by Helicobacter pylori. This study aimed to investigate whether treatment with L. casei T1 resulted in a suppressive effect on H. pylori-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. The results showed that treatment with L. casei T1 could relieve H. pylori-induced overexpression of inflammatory cytokines in GES-1 cells. Experiments in animals suggested that taking long-term L. casei T1 could reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines and improve H. pylori-induced gastric mucosal damage. Furthermore, taking L. casei T1 could increase the relative abundance of beneficial intestinal bacterium (Lachnospiraceae and Odoribacter) of H. pylori-infected mice and help in maintaining the balance of intestinal microflora. Collectively, L. casei T1 had certain degrees of therapeutic effect against H. pylori. In the future, it combined with antibiotics for H. pylori eradication deserves further study.

Donor-Acceptor (D-A) polymer field-effect transistors (pFETs) are at the cutting edge of organic electronics. However, some fundamental cognition of interface states remains unquantified, particularly at different dynamic scales. In this study, the interface states of D-A polymer transistors are quantified using the dynamic pumping method. The experimental results indicate that the interface state density of the transistor is insensitive to the measurement pulse condition and stays within the range of $ {10}^{ {12}}\,\,\sim \,\, {10}^{ {13}}\,\,\rm {cm}^{ {-2}}$ . The experiments described in this paper provide a quantitative analysis of interface states. This analysis can serve as effective guidance for optimizing future devices.

In the published publication [...]

We established a mouse model of Schistosoma japonicum infection in order to study the effects of the infection on hepatocyte autophagy and apoptosis. We also stimulated HepG2 cells with soluble egg antigens (SEA) in vitro. At two, four, and six weeks post-infection, quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot (WB) were used to detect liver expression levels of autophagy and apoptosis-related proteins. HepG2 cells were treated with different concentrations of SEA. The changes in the levels of autophagy-related proteins and HepG2 cell apoptosis were detected. The Lc3b, Beclin1, Atg7, and Atg12 mRNA levels were significantly lower at four and six weeks after infection than those in the uninfected group. At four and six weeks following infection, the levels of Beclin1, LC3BII/I, Atg7, and p62 proteins were considerably lower than those in the uninfected group. The protein levels of pro-apoptotic Bax and cleaved caspase 3 and fibrosis-related proteins α-SMA and collagen 3 in the liver post-infection were significantly higher than those in uninfected mice. HepG2 cells stimulated with SEA showed decreased levels of Beclin1, p62, and Atg7 proteins and significantly increased apoptosis rates. The findings demonstrated that following infection with S. japonicum, mice’s liver fibrosis worsened, hepatic autophagy was suppressed, and hepatocyte apoptosis was encouraged.

Chemical vapor deposition enables the scalable production of 2D semiconductors, but the grown materials are usually affected by high defect densities. Here, the authors report a hydroxide vapour phase deposition method to synthesize wafer-scale monolayer WS2 with reduced defect density and electrical properties comparable to those of exfoliated flakes.

Rational development of high-performance catalysts for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is important for NOx removal. As the most widely used commercial catalysts, coated monolithic catalysts need to adapt to the harsh external conditions, which make researchers concerned about maintaining structural integrity, catalytic activity, and toxicity resistance in services. Herein, we seek solutions by clarifying the influences of coating process parameters on these three concerns, and trying to tackle the technical difficulties of coated monolithic catalysts in SCR applications. The insights presented in this paper are beneficial to the synthesis optimization and engineering innovations for SCR catalysts.

Nephrolithiasis is a complicated disease affected by various environmental and genetic factors. Crystal-cell adhesion is a critical initiation process during kidney stone formation. However, genes regulated by environmental and genetic factors in this process remain unclear. In the present study, we integrated the gene expression profile data and the whole-exome sequencing data of patients with calcium stones, and found that ATP1A1 might be a key susceptibility gene involved in calcium stone formation. The study showed that the T-allele of rs11540947 in the 5′-untranslated region of ATP1A1 was associated with a higher risk of nephrolithiasis and lower activity of a promoter of ATP1A1. Calcium oxalate crystal deposition decreased ATP1A1 expression in vitro and in vivo and was accompanied by the activation of the ATP1A1/Src/ROS/p38/JNK/NF-κB signaling pathway. However, the overexpression of ATP1A1 or treatment with pNaKtide, a specific inhibitor of the ATP1A1/Src complex, inhibited the ATP1A1/Src signal system and alleviated oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, apoptosis, crystal-cell adhesion, and stone formation. Moreover, the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine reversed ATP1A1 down-regulation induced by crystal deposition. In conclusion, this is the first study to show that ATP1A1, a gene modulated by environmental factors and genetic variations, plays an important role in renal crystal formation, suggesting that ATP1A1 may be a potential therapeutic target for treating calcium stones.

Abstract Engineered cardiac tissues (ECTs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are viable alternatives for cardiac repair, patient‐specific disease modeling, and drug discovery. However, the immature state of ECTs limits their clinical utility. The microenvironment fabricated using 3D scaffolds can affect cell fate, and is crucial for the maturation of ECTs. Herein, the authors demonstrate an electric‐field‐driven (EFD) printed 3D highly ordered microstructure with cell feature size to promote the maturation of ECTs. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the EFD jet microscale 3D printing overcomes the jet repulsion without any prior requirements for both conductive and insulating substrates. Furthermore, the 3D highly ordered microstructures with a fiber diameter of 10–20 µm and spacing of 60–80 µm have been fabricated by maintaining a vertical jet, achieving the largest ratio of fiber diameter/spacing of 0.29. The hiPSCs‐derived cardiomyocytes formed ordered ECTs with their sarcomere growth along the fiber and developed synchronous functional ECTs inside the 3D‐printed scaffold with matured calcium handling compared to the 2D coverslip. Therefore, the EFD jet 3D microscale printing process facilitates the fabrication of scaffolds providing a suitable microenvironment to promote the maturation of ECTs, thereby showing great potential for cardiac tissue engineering.

Abstract Since its full operation in 2020, BeiDou Satellite Navigation System (BDS) has provided global services with highly precise Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) as well as unique short-message communication. More and more academics focus on multi-frequency Precise Point Positioning (PPP) models, but few on BDS five-frequency PPP models. Therefore, this study using the uncombined and Ionospheric-Free (IF) observations develops five BDS five-frequency PPP models and compares them with the traditional dual-frequency model, known as Dual-frequency IF (DF) model. Some biases such as Inter-Frequency Biases (IFB) and Differential Code Bias (DCB) are also addressed. With the data collected from 20 stations, the BDS dual- and five-frequency PPP models are comprehensively evaluated in terms of the static and simulated kinematic positioning performances. Besides, the study also analyzes some by-product estimated parameters in five-frequency PPP models such as Zenith Troposphere Delay (ZTD). The results of experiment show that five-frequency PPP models have different levels of improvement compared with the DF model. In the static mode, the one single Five-Frequency IF combination (FF5) model has the best positioning consequent, especially in the up direction, and in the simulated kinematic mode, the Three Dual-frequency IF combinations (FF3) model has the largest improvement in convergence time.

Lithium-ion batteries are usually connected in series and parallel to form a pack for meeting the voltage and capacity requirements of energy storage systems. However, different pack configurations and battery module collector positions result in different equivalent connected resistances, leading to pack current inhomogeneity, which seriously reduces the lifetime and safety of the pack. Therefore, in order to quantitatively analyze the influence of the connected resistance on the current distribution, this study researched the initial cell current distribution of the parallel module by developing mathematical models of different configurations. Then, this study explored the influence of multiple module collector positions on the current inhomogeneity of the pack under the dynamic current condition. The results show that the inhomogeneity of cell current and discharge capacity in the pack with parallel modules connected in series can be improved by keeping each cell in a parallel module with the same distance to its module collector. Furthermore, the current homogeneity of the edge parallel modules in the pack is seriously affected by the position of the single module collector. Therefore, this study innovatively proposes the symmetrical multiple module collectors of the pack, which can greatly improve the current homogeneity of the edge parallel modules, thereby improving the lifetime and safety of the pack.

Over the past 60 years, the semiconductor industry has been the core driver for the development of information technology, contributing to the birth of integrated circuits, Internet, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things. Semiconductor technology has been evolving in structure and material with co-optimization of performance–power–area–cost until the state-of-the-art sub-5-nm node. Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors are recognized by the industry and academia as a hopeful solution to break through the quantum confinement for the future technology nodes. In the recent 10 years, the key issues on 2D semiconductors regarding material, processing, and integration have been overcome in sequence, making 2D semiconductors already on the verge of application. In this paper, the evolution of transistors is reviewed by outlining the potential of 2D semiconductors as a technological option beyond the scaled metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors. We mainly focus on the optimization strategies of mobility (μ), equivalent oxide thickness (EOT), and contact resistance (RC), which enables high ON current (Ion) with reduced driving voltage (Vdd). Finally, we prospect the semiconductor technology roadmap by summarizing the technological development of 2D semiconductors over the past decade.

Volatile constituents are critical to the flavor of tea, but their changes in raw Pu-erh tea (RAPT) during storage have not been clearly understood. This work aimed to investigate the volatile composition and their changes at various storage durations. The volatile profile of RAPT was determined using headspace solid-phase microextraction in combination gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A total of 130 volatile compounds were identified in RAPT samples, and 64 of them were shared by all samples. The aroma attributes of RAPT over a storage period ranging from 0 to 10 years were assessed through the combination of odor activity value (OAV), aroma characteristic influence(ACI) value, and multivariate statistical analysis. The results revealed that RAPT exhibited a distinct floral and fruity aroma profile after storage for approximately 3–4 years. A notable shift in aroma was observed after 3–4 years of storage, indicating a significant turning point. Furthermore, the likely notable shift after 10 years of storage may signify the second turning point. According to the odor activity value (OAV ≥ 100), eight key volatile compounds were identified: linalool, α-terpineol, geraniol, trans-β-ionone, α-ionone, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, 1-octanol, and octanal. Combining OAV (≥100) and ACI (≥1), five compounds, namely linalool, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, 2,6,10,10-tetramethyl-1-oxaspiro [4.5]dec-6-ene, and octanal, were identified as significant contributors to the aroma. The results offer a scientific foundation and valuable insights for understanding the volatile composition of RAPT and their changes during storage.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a highly versatile class of ordered porous materials, which hold great promise for different biomedical applications, including antibacterial therapy. In light of the antibacterial effects, these nanomaterials can be attractive for several reasons. First, MOFs exhibit a high loading capacity for numerous antibacterial drugs, including antibiotics, photosensitizers, and/or photothermal molecules. The inherent micro- or meso-porosity of MOF structures enables their use as nanocarriers for simultaneous encapsulation of multiple drugs resulting in a combined therapeutic effect. In addition to being encapsulated into an MOF’s pores, antibacterial agents can sometimes be directly incorporated into an MOF skeleton as organic linkers. Next, MOFs contain coordinated metal ions in their structure. Incorporation of Fe2/3+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Co2+, and Ag+ can significantly increase the innate cytotoxicity of these materials for bacteria and cause a synergistic effect. Finally, abundance of functional groups enables modifying the external surface of MOF particles with stealth coating and ligand moieties for improved drug delivery. To date, there are a number of MOF-based nanomedicines available for the treatment of bacterial infections. This review is focused on biomedical consideration of MOF nano-formulations designed for the therapy of intracellular infections such as Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Chlamydia trachomatis. Increasing knowledge about the ability of MOF nanoparticles to accumulate in a pathogen intracellular niche in the host cells provides an excellent opportunity to use MOF-based nanomedicines for the eradication of persistent infections. Here, we discuss advantages and current limitations of MOFs, their clinical significance, and their prospects for the treatment of the mentioned infections.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors for cholesterol polyp formation in the gallbladder. Methods This was a multicenter retrospective study based on pathology. From January 2016 to December 2019, patients who underwent cholecystectomy and non-polyp participants confirmed by continuous ultrasound follow-ups were reviewed. Patients in the cholesterol polyp group were recruited from three high-volume centers with a diagnosis of pathologically confirmed cholesterol polyps larger than 10 mm. Population characteristics and medical data were collected within 24 h of admission before surgery. The non-polyp group included participants from the hospital physical examination center database. They had at least two ultrasound examinations with an interval longer than 180 days. Data from the final follow-up of the non-polyp group were analyzed. The risk factors for cholesterol polyp formation were analyzed by comparing the two groups. Results A total of 4714 participants were recruited, including 376 cholesterol polyp patients and 4338 non-polyp participants. In univariate analysis, clinical risk factors for cholesterol polyps were age, male sex, higher body mass index (BMI), higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL), lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. In multivariate logistic analysis, independent risk factors were age > 50 years (odds ratio [OR] = 3.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.33–3.91, P 2.89 mmol/L (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.08–1.78, P = 0.011), lower HDL (OR = 1.78 95% CI 1.32–2.44, P 40 IU/L (OR = 3.55, 95% CI 2.07–6.07, P 25 kg/m 2 (OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.01–1.72, P = 0.037). Conclusions Age, LDL, HDL, AST, and BMI are strong risk factors for cholesterol polyp formation. Older overweight patients with polyps, accompanied by abnormal lipid levels, are at high risk for cholesterol polyps.

Exploiting negative capacitance effects in organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) is advantageous for enhancing device performance. Here, the authors report solution-processed sub-thermionic OTFTs and circuits with ferroelectric hafnium oxides that show ultra-low power and ultra-high gain.

Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) have been widely studied, but there are still challenges to achieving large-scale integration in organic complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) circuits. In this article, we discuss the issues on organic CMOS circuits from a device perspective. Our discussion begins with a systematic analysis of the principal parameters of the building block, a CMOS inverter, including gain, noise margin, and power dissipation, as well as the relevant challenges and the potential solutions. We then review state-of-the-art organic CMOS inverters and their fabrications. Finally, we focus on the approaches to optimize organic CMOS circuits from a specific point of view of the contact engineering, particularly for N-type OFETs.

Probiotics have the functions of inhibiting pathogen infection and maintaining gastrointestinal homeostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the preventive effect of Lactobacillus casei T1 (L. casei T1) isolated from kurut against the gastric inflammation and gut microbiota alteration induced by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. The results showed that L. casei T1 and its supernatant had a potent inhibitory effect on H. pylori growth in vitro. L. casei T1 adhered to GES-1 cells, down-regulated the expression of MUC5AC, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in GES-1 cells induced by H. pylori. This followed by in vivo studies demonstrated that L. casei T1 pretreatment alleviated gastric inflammation and prevent gut microbiota alteration caused by H. pylori infection. These results demonstrated that L. casei T1 have a preventive effect against H. pylori infection and it can be served as a further development and utilization of probiotic.

Recently, 3D packaging has been regarded as an important technical means to continue Moore’s Law. However, excessive stacking will increase the longitudinal dimension, and one chip with high-density bondings packaging is still needed. Thus, it naturally places higher demand on thermal cycling reliability due to the decreased joint size to satisfy high-density packaging. In this work, the nano-Al2O3 (1 wt.%) modified Sn-1 wt.% Ag-0.5 wt.% Cu low-Ag solder was applied as a solder sample to evaluate the associated thermal cycling reliability. The investigated results revealed that the nano-Al2O3 modified solder did present enhanced thermal cycling reliability, as evidenced by the delayed microstructure coarsening and the inhibited atom inter-diffusion at interface caused by the adsorption of nano-Al2O3 on grain surfaces, and the resultant pinning effect. Worthy of note is that the potential of the newly developed nano-Al2O3 modified solder for high-density packaging applications (e.g., BGA, QFN, and CCGA) was evaluated based on the Finite Element Modeling.

Collagen and its derivative proteins have been widely used as a major component for cosmetic formulations as a natural ingredient and moisturizer. Most commercially available collagens are animal-derived collagen type I and other forms of collagen, such as type III collagen, are far less prevalent in animals, making extraction and purification extremely difficult and expensive. Here, we report the production of a 50 kDa protein produced in yeast that is 100% identical to the N-terminus of the human type III collagen. This recombinant protein has a larger molecular weight than most incumbent recombinant collagen proteins available for personal care applications. We report the industrialization of both the fermentation and purification processes to produce a final recombinant protein product. This final protein product was shown to be safe for general applications to human skin and compatible with common formulation protocols, including ethanol-based formulations. This recombinant collagen type III protein was also shown to uniquely stimulate both collagen type I and type III production and secretion by primary human dermal fibroblasts. The unique combination of biostimulation, compatibility with beauty product formulations and demonstrated commercial production, make this novel recombinant type III collagen a good candidate for broad application in the cosmetics industry.

The investigation into the dynamical transitions of charged quasiparticles on interfaces remains technically challenging. Here, the authors use ultrafast, mid-infrared micro-spectroscopy to unveil the formation of tightly bound interlayer excitons between conducting graphene and semiconducting MoSe2.

The thorny issue of membrane biofouling in membrane bioreactors (MBR) calls for new effective control measures. Herein, D-amino acid (DAA) was employed to mediate MBR membrane biofouling by inhibiting biofilm information and disintegrating formed biofilm. Different DAA control ways involving membrane property, DAA-adding timing, and DAA-control mode were explored through experiments and the multiple linear regression model and the response surface methodology. The optimized DAA control ways were acquired, involving DAA used as an active agent, and the DAA-adding timing of 4 h cultured before running, as well as both hydrophilic and hydrophobic membrane, resulting in an approximately 40.24% decrease in the membrane biofouling rate in comparison with the conventional MBR. DAA is an efficient membrane biofouling mediating approach for MBR under optimized control ways combination and a facile solution for solving membrane biofouling in actual membrane systems.

State of charge (SOC) estimation is of great significance for the safe operation of lithium-ion battery (LIB) packs. Improving the accuracy of SOC estimation results and reducing the algorithm complexity are important for the state estimation. In this paper, a zeroaxial straight line, whose slope changes along with SOC, is used to map the predictive SOC to the predictive open circuit voltage (OCV), and thus only one parameter is used to linearize the SOC-OCV curve near the present working point. An equivalent circuit model is used to simulate the dynamic behavior of a LIB, updating the linearization parameter in the measurement equation according to the present value of the state variables, and then a standard Kalman filter is used to estimate the SOC based on the local linearization. This estimation method makes the output equation of the nonlinear battery model contain only one parameter related to its dynamic variables. This is beneficial to simplify the algorithm structure and to reduce the computation cost. The linearization method do not essentially lose the main information of the dynamic model, and its effectiveness is verified experimentally. Fully and a partially charged battery experiments indicate that the estimation error of SOC is better than 0.5%.

In a variety of motor models, the effects of iron-loss (ILS) on motor control accuracy and efficiency are generally ignored. This makes it difficult for the motor control system to obtain accurate control parameters (especially on high speed and low load conditions), and limits the improvement of motor control accuracy. This paper aims to clarify the influence of different ILS modeling and observation methods on motor control performance. Three equivalent models of motors with iron losses are compared. These models are: A parallel model, a series model and the simplified traditional model. Three tests are conducted to obtain the effect of ILS perturbation on ILS estimation results, and then to derive the sensitivity of the motor state and torque to the perturbation. These test conditions include: Ideal no-load, heavy-load, locked-rotor, and ILS perturbations during speed regulation. Simulation results show that the impedance and excitation characteristics of the series model and the parallel model are similar, and the traditional model has the best speed regulation smoothness. The ILS estimation errors of the series model is nearly constant and easy to compensate. For accurate ILS observation results, the series model can achieve better control accuracy.

The original version of this Article omitted an affiliation of Xiewen Wen: ‘College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China’. This has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.

In this work, we report a strong photoluminescence (PL) enhancement of monolayer MoS2 under different treatments. We find that by simple ambient annealing treatment in the range of 200 °C to 400 °C, the PL emission can be greatly enhanced by a factor up to two orders of magnitude. This enhancement can be attributed to two factors: first, the formation of Mo-O bonds during ambient exposure introduces an effective p-doping in the MoS2 layer; second, localized electrons formed around Mo-O bonds related defective sites where the electrons can be effectively localized with higher binding energy resulting in efficient radiative excitons recombination. Time resolved PL decay measurement showed that longer lifetime of the treated sample consistent with the higher quantum efficiency in PL. These results give more insights to understand the luminescence properties of the MoS2.